im not getting into this. I know it helps, just like thousands of others know it helps, on top off all the mfg claim it helps. Maybe it does, maybe it doesnt, it sure as hell works for everything else claimed.

OP, RS4's generally don't suffer from the same timing component problems that V8 S4's do. The guides/tensioners have updated parts. TBH, it was mostly 04 and 05 S4's that see most of the problems with timing components in general.

In regard to the carbon build up, its a DIY job. Or you can pay a few hundred bucks every ~10k miles to have it cleaned. JHMotorsports is supposedly testing a solution that prevents carbon build up.

Also RS4 + bolt ons =12.2 @ 111 mph 1/4 mile

Originally Posted by lojasmo

I would kick that mechanic so hard, his nuts would give him black eyes.

1. Carbon cleaning -- I get it done every year or two. Time consuming, but not horrible.
2. Gas Mileage -- I get 17 city / 23 highway, which is far better than the 14/19 that my friends with E90 m3's get. Although, they don't get carbon buildup.
3. Parts -- really not so bad, since many parts are shared with A4's. With the right connections, it's also pretty easy to get OEM parts at dealer cost (I do).
4. Ease of maintenance -- I find it to be pretty easy to take care of, and mine is almost 6 years old with 51,000 miles on it.

I find the car a hell of a lot more fun than the B8S4. That said, an E90 m3 is also a great choice.

+1 for the 2013 S4, ordering just started, i voted with my wallet on the 2012 S4, absolutely no regrets, all glitches, like the water pump, rear diff seal, brake squeal, clutch noise sorted out over the previous years.

+1 for the 2013 S4, ordering just started, i voted with my wallet on the 2012 S4, absolutely no regrets, all glitches, like the water pump, rear diff seal, brake squeal, clutch noise sorted out over the previous years.

Sorry to say, the B8 is terribly ugly, I'd go as far to say one of the ugliest cars on the road today. That picture is especially bad.... combine that with the ghetto fabulous LED DRL's.... no thanks. Maybe I'm crazy, but you know what they say about opinions.

To be fair to you, what were you trying to say? Seems like you directly said it was one of the ugliest cars on the road. Maybe you don't think it is the best, but one of the ugliest?

Where's the context we are missing?

Sorry to say, the B8 is terribly ugly, I'd go as far to say one of the ugliest cars on the road today. That picture is especially bad.... combine that with the ghetto fabulous LED DRL's.... no thanks. Maybe I'm crazy, but you know what they say about opinions.

OP, RS4's generally don't suffer from the same timing component problems that V8 S4's do. The guides/tensioners have updated parts. TBH, it was mostly 04 and 05 S4's that see most of the problems with timing components in general.

In regard to the carbon build up, its a DIY job. Or you can pay a few hundred bucks every ~10k miles to have it cleaned. JHMotorsports is supposedly testing a solution that prevents carbon build up.

Is it true the build up is caused by the crankcase and valve covers being vented through the intake?

unrelated question
as people mentioned the v8 s4, once the chains and tentioners have been changed, they are good for the rest of the life of the engine, as most chains are? or has the issue not been fixed with updated parts

I did say that, but in the very next sentence, I state that it's just my opinion and that I realize it may not be widely shared.

Your opinon has rendered me speechless. You really think that the A4 is one of the ugliest cars on the road? In a world of Nissan Cube, Scion Xb, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Sonic, you think B8 A4 is in the same ballpark?

Your opinon has rendered me speechless. You really think that the A4 is one of the ugliest cars on the road? In a world of Nissan Cube, Scion Xb, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Sonic, you think B8 A4 is in the same ballpark?

If buildup is such a huge issue with the v8 just run watermeth and that will clean the buildup right out, and prevent it from happening.

In all honesty I think something like this may be a longer term solution than just "decarboning" every 20-30k. What about an injection system that runs essentially on demand, and injected something like an acetone/atf solution, or anything else that would help keep the intake and valves clear. Im aware water/meth wont work, but i think all it may need is something that actually dissolved the buildup.

Its fairly clear that the main issue with many DI engines is carbon buildup in the intake/valves, and unless you rip out all the emissions controls/egr, etc, Im sure this will continue to be an issue.

but back to the main question, I would say the main reason not to get it is because there are alot of cars out there that may be less "raw" but perform almost as well with less issues.

Personally I would take a 335i with a chip, and extended warrenty for the fuel pump, and call it a day. I like the RS4, but IMO the B6, and B7 chassis cars seem very dated compared to the B8, and its competition.